"...I see." He'll refrain from pushing on that point, then, at least for now. It's clear Ren needs time to adjust.

But at the same time... "However, if anything, that is evidence for my point. If you were the wrong guy, why exert so much influence to keep you in line? Surely it would be easier for your mastermind to hollow you out, like they did him. Instead, he's chosen to torture you into hopelessness, first. What other message could that send, except that hope, and your hope specifically is dangerous to him?"